Video: Bukobot Advances Open-Source 3D Printing

One of the strongest influences helping to promote more accessible 3D printing is the open-source movement. The RepRap project was the genesis for a number of low-cost printer kits, including the now fairly well known Makerbot. Now there's a new kid in town: the Bukobot, which its developers characterize as a next-generation, open-source, 3D printer.

Diego Porqueras, of Pasadena, Calif., is positioning his entry into the open-source 3D printer world as addressing two of the more common problems: ease of use/assembly and scalability. Unlike other open-source 3D printers based on the RepRap project, which can be difficult to assemble, Porqueras says the Bukobot (watch a video below) has been designed with a framework that requires no special machining or heavy adjustments of rods and acrylic, but rather can be put together with simple tools found around the house -- screw drivers, utility knifes, and a set of needle nose pliers.

While many 3D printers work at 0.3mm or 0.25mm and struggle at 0.1mm, the Bukobot 8 Vanilla prototype has been tested with output at 0.05mm, according to its developer.

Porqueras says one of the hurdles associated with first-generation, open-source 3D printer kits is the requirement for expensive and hard-to-find laser cut pieces and machined parts. "I believe most people do not have access to a laser cutter or machine shop, so I eliminated this need in the design of the Buko framework," Porqueras explains on his Website. "If it can't be printed in 3D, bought off the shelf, or made at home with simple tools, it's not in the design."

The Bukobot also pushes past RepRap models in its expandability. While 3D printers based on the original open-source model are hard to scale to handle bigger, or so-called higher, print jobs, Bukobot's developers say the system is easily upgradable, requiring only the addition of longer pieces of aluminum extrusions, longer cables and belts, and maybe even some simple electronics.

Porqueras's company, Deezmaker, is positioning the Bukobot as a low-cost tool (it's even gone as far to call it a "personal manufacturing system") for hobbyists and engineers looking to do everything from creating fun sculptures and toys to more serious applications like prototyping parts and 3D-printing common parts for fixing household items. The printer comes in two build sizes: 8-inch models with an 8x8x8-inch (200x200x200mm) build envelope or a smaller, miniaturized model, which has a print volume of around 5x5x6 inches (125x125x150mm). In addition to ABS plastic, the green version of the Bukobot works with PLA, a type of plastic made from corn starch that is biodegradable and harder than ABS, Porqueras claims, while also not requiring a heated platform to make 3D parts.

Prices for the printer start around $750, but Porqueras says he's looking to push the costs down even further.

Another 3D printer making its mark in the open-source world and breaking down price barriers is the Solidoodle, a pre-assembled unit that looks more like a commercial product and less of a project. The Solidoodle, created by a former Makerbot executive, is based on the RepRap Sanguinololu v1.3a Electronics open-source 3D printer project and is priced starting at $499.

@Greg: That's a great point. A lot of these 3D printer companies talk up the idea of personal manufacturing and how these tools can really overhaul the manufacturing process. I don't think something like Bukobot is robust enough to serve as a tool for a manufacturing company to run their business (meaning serve as the sole source of output for finished goods), but we're certainly moving in that direction and what a boost that will be for small companies, especially in impoverished areas where resources are limited.

I like the comment about how the next generation of kids could learn this just like their PowerPoint presentations.

Because of their low price point, I'm also seeing these types of machines being deployed in 3rd world countries to start micro-factories and to help micro-entrepreneurs build businesses to help lift themselves and their regions out of poverty.

I like the fact that this 3D printer is pretty quiet compared to the other units that are out there. That and it seems to operate pretty quickly, although that might simply be due to the thin wings. If the Bukobot can come down another one or two hundred I will certainly attempt to pick one up!

It would be nice to see some time numbers based upon larger objects being printed.

I tracked the price point for 3D printers and now they really become a reality for small home design offices and prototype houses. we think of getting one this year for internal use. Beats ordering small part machinning every time we want to see a 3D part.

It's crazy how early kids learn to master tools like Power Point. My soon-to-be 9th grader is taking a class next year that will show them the basics of CAD and how to apply it to simple design projects. I think 3D printers should and soon will be a staple in the classroom; it's a matter of getting the price point down (like this one) and schools having the budgets to purchase new gear.

Beth, now this is a printer you could justify for home. I wonder when schools will require 3D models as a part of their curriculum. My sons had to do PowerPoint presentations in 4th and 5th grades. This has to be close behind.

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